Process for the production of 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-(3-methylpent-2-en-4-ynyl)cyclohex-1-ene

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of 1,3,3-tri-methyl-2-(3-methylpent-2-en-4-ynyl)cyclohex-1-ene, highly enriched in the Z-isomer, and the use of such compounds in organic syntheses, especially in processes forming intermediates (building blocks) the synthesis of vitamin A or β-carotene or other carotenoids, e.g. canthaxanthin, astaxanthin or zeaxanthin.

1 . A compound of formula (Ia): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         2 . A product comprising more than 85% of (Z)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-(3-methylpent-2-en-4-ynyl)cyclohex-1-ene. 
     
     
         3 . An process for synthesizing organic molecules which comprises providing the compound of formula (Ia) according to  claim 1  as an intermediate compound, and synthesizing an organic molecule from the intermediate compound of fomula (Ia) by subjecting the intermediate compound of formula (Ia) to organic molecule synthesis reaction conditions. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 3 , wherein organic molecule synthesized from the intermediate compound of formula (Ia) is selected from the group consisting of vitamin A, β-carotene, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin.